Armoury
- Available
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Delivery time: 1 - 2 working days* (DE - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 1 - 2 working days* (DE - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 1 - 2 working days* (DE - int. shipments may differ)
The Armoury at Vehi Mercatus is your one-stop shop for swords, axes, polearms and weapon replicas from the Middle Ages, the Viking Age and the Renaissance. Whether you’re looking for a blade suitable for stage combat for active re-enactment, a historically accurate prop for a medieval market, or a decorative collector’s item — here you’ll find around 50 items in a price range from approx. €17 to €311, appealing to beginners as well as ambitious collectors and active stage combatants.
What belongs in an armoury? An overview of the range
The armoury’s range is divided into several categories of weaponry: swords form the core — from one-handed swords and one-and-a-half-handed swords to fencing swords and rapiers. These are complemented by daggers with leather scabbards, hand-forged axes and polearms such as the corseque and glefe from the Renaissance period. Scabbards and carrying accessories are available separately under ‘Sword Accessories’.
The three main brands in the range are Battle Merchant (by far the most widely represented), Vehi Mercatus and Lord of Battles. The range extends from simple decorative items and SK-C class training weapons to handmade SK-A class spring steel fencing swords. The Armoury thus caters to the needs of newcomers preparing for their first market appearance, right through to experienced re-enactors specifically seeking historically documented types.
Periods in the Armoury: From the Vikings to the Renaissance
Early Middle Ages & Vikings
Wide blades with distinctive pommels and simple crossguards are the hallmark of Viking-era swords. The Dybek Viking sword from the 9th/10th century is a well-known example — available as a lightweight SK-C stage combat sword. Also available: Viking axes and saxes for a complete Early Medieval set.
High Middle Ages
Cross-guard swords, Templar-style blades and Frankish blades characterise this era. The High Medieval Templar sword SPQR or the Frankish stage combat sword SK-B from Hanwei represent solid craftsmanship based on historical models. To go with them: High Medieval helmets and chainmail.
Late Middle Ages & Renaissance
Slim fencing swords based on Oakeshott types, one-and-a-half-handers and rapiers dominate the transition to the modern era. Specific types: Tewkesbury (15th century), Shrewsbury SK-B, Nuremberg fencing sword SK-A. For Renaissance re-enactments, Pappenheimer rapiers and Corseque polearms complete the picture. Ancient special forms such as the gladius or cavalry sabres round off the range.
Price ranges in the armoury: What can I get for which budget?
Decorative weapons, SK-C training swords, simple axes and daggers with leather scabbards — ideal for market visitors, occasional users and anyone who just wants to get their bearings. Examples: Medieval axe from approx. €37, testicle dagger with leather scabbard from approx. €50, SK-C mace sword from approx. €77. Scabbards and holders are usually charged separately in this price range.
SK-B display swords and historical types such as the Shrewsbury or Dybek sword offer good value for money for re-enactments at medieval markets. Many models come with a matching sword scabbard. The Dybek Viking sword SK-C costs around €109, the Shrewsbury SK-B with scabbard around €145.
SK-A fencing swords made from hardened spring steel, handcrafted, for active exhibition fighters at tournaments and intensive martial arts use. Oakeshott XIV types, the Konrad von Thüringen one-handed sword, the Satzvey fencing sword or the Nürnberg SK-A one-and-a-half-handed sword fall into this category. Allow for accessories such as leather scabbards (from approx. €34) separately.
Buying swords: What to look out for when purchasing
The most important decision when buying a sword is its intended use. Everything else depends on this: steel quality, blade geometry, weight and stage combat class.
Steel quality and hardness directly determine suitability for stage combat. Spring steel (typical for SK-A) has a defined blade flexibility that offers important safety during blade strikes. Carbon steel is frequently found in polearms. Decorative steel is softer, cheaper and not suitable for combat use.
Weight and balance determine how the weapon handles. A one-handed sword typically weighs 800–1100 g, whilst a one-and-a-half-handed sword is correspondingly heavier. A sword that is too top-heavy quickly tires the arm — a feature that should be given particular attention when purchasing. Hilt material (wood, leather, metal) and the crossguard influence both authenticity and comfort when carrying.
A leather scabbard is an often underestimated accessory. Not every sword comes with a scabbard — it’s worth checking the product description. You can find suitable scabbards separately under Sword Accessories.
Axes, daggers and polearms: the often-overlooked weapons of the armoury
Medieval axes are hand-forged and versatile — serving as display weapons for Viking and early medieval re-enactments as well as market-ready props. The long medieval axe, with a total length of 57 cm, is a typical example of compact market merchandise available from around €37.
Daggers — foremost among them the testicle dagger with a carved handle and leather sheath — offer a belt-mounted weapon option from around €50. The testicle dagger is a historically authentic late medieval type that was worn on wide belts. Those seeking more specific forms will also find early medieval knives and Viking saxes in the range.
Polearms such as the Renaissance Corseque or Glefe made of carbon steel are a rare but effective addition for re-enactment groups and stage performances. For a complete portrayal, we recommend combining them with a shield or buckler and matching armour.
Stage combat, decoration or collecting? A comparison of the three uses
- SK-A: fully suitable for combat, hardened spring steel, for intensive tournaments and martial arts
- SK-B: light stage combat, for re-enactment performances and medieval markets
- SK-C: training and beginner class, softer steel, suitable for light exercises
- Groups and organisers should check minimum certification requirements before purchase
- Not impact-resistant — exclusively for wall decoration, display cases, film and theatre props
- Often elaborate designs with scabbards and historical models (e.g. Viking Island Eigg, Pappenheim rapier)
- More affordable entry-level prices, wider choice of materials
- Not suitable for combat contact — not even for light exercises
Explanation of exhibition combat standards SK-A, SK-B and SK-C
SK-A denotes the highest exhibition combat class and imposes the strictest requirements on materials and workmanship. Blades made of hardened spring steel with defined flexibility, secure crossguards and a sturdy grip are mandatory. SK-A swords are suitable for intense tournament combat and active use in combat sports. In the armoury: Nuremberg fencing sword (one-and-a-half-handed, approx. €311), Satzvey SK-A (approx. €218) or the Konrad von Thüringen one-handed sword.
SK-B is the standard for re-enactment performances at medieval markets and is sufficient for most groups and organisers. The blades are made of robust steel but are not designed for intensive tournament use. Examples in the range: Templar SPQR SK-B with scabbard (approx. €235), Shrewsbury SK-B (approx. €145), Oakeshott XIV SK-B (approx. €218). Many SK-B models come with a leather scabbard.
SK-C uses softer steel and is intended for light practice and beginners — not for real combat contact with opponents. This class is suitable for getting started in fencing, for costumed performances involving occasional use of weapons, and as a training tool. The Dybek Viking sword SK-C (approx. €109) and the disc-pommel sword SK-C (approx. €77) are typical examples. Before purchasing, be sure to check the requirements of your own group or the event organiser.
Whether you’re looking for your first display weapon or a historically accurate addition to your re-enactment outfit — browse through the armoury and find the right piece for your purpose. If you have any questions about display categories, materials or historical models, you can reach the team by phone or in person at our warehouse shop in Rinchnach in the Bavarian Forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
The display combat classes indicate the level of intensity for which a weapon is suitable. SK-A is the highest class, featuring hardened spring steel for intense tournament combat. SK-B is the standard for re-enactment performances at medieval markets. SK-C refers to training and beginner swords made from softer steel, which are not suitable for real combat contact. Which class you need depends on the requirements of your group or the organiser.
A solid SK-B display sword for re-enactment and medieval markets typically costs between €80 and €180, often including a scabbard. SK-A fencing swords made of spring steel for tournament use start at around €180 and can cost over €300 for handcrafted one-and-a-half-handers. SK-C class training swords are available from around €77.
Many swords in the armoury are sold with a matching sword scabbard or leather scabbard — this is indicated in the product description as ‘incl. sword scabbard’. Where a scabbard is not included, you will find suitable leather scabbards separately in the Sword Accessories category. A scabbard is particularly recommended for use at markets and for safe transport.
For your first appearance at a medieval market, we recommend an SK-C training sword or a simple SK-B sword from the mid-range. If you’re going for a Viking portrayal, the Dybek Viking sword SK-C is a good choice. Those who prefer a compact weapon will find a more affordable entry-level option in a Hodendolch or a medieval axe, starting from around €37–50.
Yes, part of the range is specifically designated as decorative items and is suitable for wall decoration, display cabinets, and film and theatre props. Examples include the Viking sword from the island of Eigg or the Pappenheimer rapier. These items are not impact-resistant and should not be used for combat contact. For film and theatre productions, it is also worth taking a look at the Film and Theatre Props category.